The Best Beaches in Cinque Terre, Italy—From Hidden Coves to Iconic Shores

Fegina is the longest—and arguably the best—beach in Cinque Terre. This spacious, pebbly stretch sits in Monterosso al Mare’s newer district, with a dramatic Scoglio (or black rock) splitting the beach in two. In summer, private lidos take over, with colorful umbrellas dotting the shoreline. Renting a lounger and parasol will set you back around 20 EUR (21 USD), but there are free sections as well—just arrive early, as Monterosso is the go-to beach spot for visitors exploring the villages. Fegina is also the most accessible beach in Cinque Terre, conveniently located right next to the train station.

Beach Highlights: While you’re there, stop by Gelateria La Scogliera for some of the best gelato around, paired with a stunning view of Fegina Rock.

Take a pedestrian tunnel from Fagina to Monterosso’s Old Town to find Tragagia – another dreamy stretch under a rocky hill. Bar Bagni Alga occupies most of the beach with its signature blue and white umbrellas. However, there are free sections near the tunnels and on the opposite side, beneath the hiking trail to Vernazza. As with most Cinque Terre beaches, Tragagia is made of small pebbles. Bring water shoes for a more comfortable experience.

Beach Highlights: Tragagia may have the most Amalfi-like appearance – the 400-year-old Convent of the Capuchin Friars perched on a hill and 16th-century Torre Aurora overlooking the coast create a magnificent panorama.

Riomaggiore Beach is a stark contrast to the parasol-dotted private stretches along the Cinque Terre coast. It’s a wilder, more visceral affair. The surface is mostly stones, there are no bars around and the water is as transparent as it comes. Come in the early morning for the most magical one-on-one with the Ligurian Sea.

Beach Highlights: While it may feel remote, Riomaggiore Beach is very easy to get to – just follow a paved path from the village’s marina. You can also lay your towel on one of the large stones along the way and dive straight into the azure waters. Just avoid doing this at Riomaggiore’s marina, where swimming is prohibited.

Up for some deep-water swimming? Manarola’s harbor is perfect for that. There’s nothing better than taking a dip with a view of one of the world’s most scenic villages. But don’t expect a traditional beach—the harbor consists of large black rocks where you can leave your things. It’s also an ideal spot for cliff-jumping and snorkeling. Just keep in mind that the water is immediately deep, so it’s best for experienced swimmers. If you’re with kids, head to shallower areas like Vernazza or Monterosso al Mare instead. And don’t miss the chance to watch Manarola’s spectacular sunset from the water.

Beach Highlights: For another small swimming area—also rocky, with slipways and deep waters—follow the hiking trail to Corniglia.

Your kids will love Vernazza—the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre. This tiny but incredibly scenic patch sits right in the town’s marina. Framed by the 14th-century Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, the Ruins of Doria Tower on the hillside, lush terraced mountains and candy-colored houses, Vernazza Beach is a stunner. Beyond the sandy area, there’s a flat pathway for sunbathing and a few more rocks at the end of the harbor.

Beach Highlights: If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach, this is it. Plus, it’s less than a five-minute walk from the railway station and just steps from Vernazza’s many restaurants and gelaterias.

Il Gigante is a compact, pebbly stretch at the northern end of Fegina in Monterosso al Mare—arguably the most poetic of Cinque Terre’s beaches. Here, you can swim beneath the 14-meter-high statue of Neptune, a striking figure missing its hands due to WWII bombings. Built in 1910, the Giant and the Belle Époque Villa Pastine behind it once symbolized the town. Though the villa was destroyed during the war, it has recently reopened as La Casa del Gigante Luxury Collection.

Beach Highlights: Il Gigante Beach is mostly private, with a small free section closer to Fegina.

Minutes away from Monterosso al Mare, Levanto Beach is a gorgeous stretch. Also, it’s your best pick to escape Cinque Terre crowds. Extending for over 1.9 miles, it is a good alternative to tiny beaches in the national park. It’s divided into private and public parts. The most charming section is behind the pier at the southernmost end of the beach under the mountain and surrounded by elegant fin-de-siecle villas. Levanto Beach has many water sports activities available, including surfing, diving and stand-up paddleboarding. The boat tours to Cinque Terre also start from here.

Beach Highlights: Take a walk around Levanto’s picturesque Old Town and have a freshly baked focaccia – Liguria’s most popular street food –  at Focacceria Domè.

A quintessential Ligurian beach town, Bonassola is a small yet atmospheric getaway just outside Levanto. Its easygoing pebbly and sandy stretch is perfect for a relaxing seaside escape, with stunning coastal views framed by lush mountains. A peaceful retreat from the intensity of Cinque Terre, Bonassola is just a 10-minute train ride from Monterosso al Mare, keeping you close to the region’s charming villages.

Beach Highlights: For breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, don’t miss the panoramic hike to Belvedere Salvadori—a must for nature lovers.

Unlike Levanto, La Spezia—another popular base near Cinque Terre—doesn’t have particularly stunning beaches. To find the best stretches, you’ll need to head south. One of the most charming spots in La Spezia province is Fiascherino, a tiny pebbly strip flanked by pine trees and limestone rocks, offering easy water access and breathtaking bay views. Snorkeling is the main attraction here, with rocky formations waiting to be explored. Kayaks are also available for rent, allowing you to admire Fiascherino’s stunning sea arches and hidden caves from the water.

Beach Highlights: The beach is close to Tellaro, a traditional Ligurian fishing village that feels like a crowd-free version of Cinque Terre. Fun fact: Disney’s Luca drew inspiration from Tellaro and Cinque Terre to create the fictional town of Portorosso.

Porto Venere, a UNESCO-protected gem along with the Cinque Terre villages, is astonishing. The town is a pearl of the Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Bay of Poets. This town enchants with its colorful harborside houses, dramatic castle ruins and lush nearby islands. Such a setting calls for a romantic dip, and Mirella Beach is the perfect place for it. Set in the northern end of Porto Venere, it’s an idyllic public beach with tiny pebbles and transparent waters.

Beach Highlights: Another original spot behind the town’s center is Grotta di Lord Byron, a collapsed cave with rocky terraces perfect for deep-sea swimming. Legend has it that poet Lord Byron once swam from here to Lerici to visit his friend Percy Shelley—though it’s best to admire the waters from a safer distance. Instead, take a refreshing dip in the azure sea, then indulge in fresh pasta at one of Porto Venere’s seaside restaurants.